| Before going through military working dog adoption, | | | | for calls. They train; they take care of the dogs and |
| you have to read the requirements carefully and | | | | do a lot more. So keep it short and simple. Ask if |
| choose the dog that you want to adopt. Talk to | | | | they have a military dog that has been "declared |
| your family about your plan and make sure that they | | | | excess", meaning retired. If the answer is no, leave |
| understand that you will not be getting a puppy, that | | | | your name and number and ask them if they can call |
| you will be getting a retired military working dog. The | | | | if something changes. |
| process may take time but be patience. People | | | | If the answer is yes, then ask them about the |
| attending to these issues are very busy but they | | | | adoption suitability test. Ask if anyone is in line to |
| generally get back to you in time. | | | | adopt the dog. The handlers always get first priority |
| There are some military dogs that were adopted by | | | | on these adoptions, which makes sense because |
| their former handlers and some do not pass the | | | | they were the ones who took care of these dogs. |
| adoption suitability test. (This is a test that is use to | | | | Next are usually local law enforcement with civilians |
| see if the dogs are suitable for adoption by a civilian.) | | | | the last in line. |
| The rest of the dogs are put up for adoption. Be | | | | Ask them questions about the military dog that you |
| diligent in finding your dog, sometimes the process is | | | | want to adopt. They may be busy, but finding a |
| long - but the well-trained dog you receive will be | | | | home for their dogs is also very important to them. |
| worth it. It may take months and a lot of phone calls | | | | So they will generally be happy to answer all your |
| before you can find the perfect dog but do not get | | | | questions. Keep an open mind about the breed of |
| discouraged. Be patient because for some of these | | | | the dog, remember that dogs can come in many |
| dogs, it may be their last chance to find a home. | | | | shapes and sizes. All are adorable creatures that we |
| When calling the office about looking for a military | | | | can call our best friend. When you are done with |
| dog to adopt, always be straightforward. They are | | | | your application and completed your requirements - |
| busy; they do not sit around the desk all day waiting | | | | just wait for your dog to come home. |